The new Florence + the Machine album “Ceremonials” is purely brilliant. From the first bars of the opening number, “Only If For a Night,” it is clear that lead singer Florence Welch is prepared to take the listener to another world completely.
“Only If For a Night,” is not only one of Welch’s best tracks, but it is the perfect opening for the album. The distinct piano matched with Welch’s undeniable vocals forces listeners to sit back and be amazed.

Next the album launches into one of my favorite Florence + the Machine songs, “Shake It Out.” Not only is it extremely catchy, but also it is incredibly orchestrated and crafted.

Overflowing with creativity

That is the best part about Welch is that she doesn’t just put a voice to someone else’s song, she crafts and creates music.

Welch was involved in the writing of all of the songs on “Ceremonials,” while working with producer Paul Epworth, who has produced her past hits such as “Rabbit Heart (Raise it Up).” The two worked together to create what is easily the best album of the year.

I don’t want to belabor the comparisons between Welch and her fellow British diva, Adele, but I will. Adele’s “21” is by far the most successful album of the year, and it has reached much critical acclaim.

I love “21” with a strong passion, as I am a huge Adele fan, and I think it is one of the greatest albums of all time. But there is a certain originality and brilliant uniqueness to Welch that Adele lacks. Adele is more of a throwback artist, one that channels the power of such singers as Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James.

Welch is an artist all her own. What she brings to the table is something completely and totally different, new and very welcome.

Strong vocals and lyrics

Not only is the musicality on “Ceremonials” incredibly brilliant, but the lyrics are powerful and intelligent. Welch isn’t singing about clubbing or hooking up, but instead she experiments with spirituality on numerous songs and looks into the greater picture of life.

“I will disappear in plain sight / Heaven help me/ I need to make it right / You are the revelation / You are to get it right/ And it’s a conversation / I just can’t have tonight,” sings Welch on one of the many stand out songs: “No Light, No Light.”

Another aspect of “Ceremonials” that demands notice is Welch’s undeniably brilliant voice; no one else sounds like her.

Her voice supports the depth of the songs and it serves as a constant reminder of why Florence + the Machine has gained so much attention.

I remember first discovering Florence + the Machine during the pilot episode for “Covert Affairs.” The striking “Dog Days Are Over” played as Annie Walker jumped from a plane, and ever since then I have been hooked. Their debut album, “Lungs,” is so good, I find myself constantly going back to enjoy it over and over again.

As good as the first album is, “Ceremonials” is so much better. There is a power that “Lungs” lacked. It’s like Welch now feels sure of her power and talent and is completely ready to share it with the world.

Honestly, I don’t completely understand “Ceremonials.” It is weird and totally different than anything else out there, yet it is so brilliant it demands to be replayed. I keep listening to it over and over again, and I just can’t get sick of it.
No doubt, “Ceremonials” is the best album of the year. And in a year full of Adele, Beyoncé, Feist and Ellie Goulding, that is really saying something. From beginning to end, Welch insists that the listener be captivated and she doesn’t disappoint.
The melodies are catchy, thick and beautiful. This album is truly spectacular.